Thomas Adès named Los Angeles Philharmonic Creative Chair of New Music

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has announced that acclaimed composer Thomas Adès will become its next Creative Chair of New Music, beginning with the 2027/2028 concert season. This appointment will coincide with the start of Daniel Harding’s tenure as the orchestra’s Music Director.

Adès is stepping into a position long held by composer John Adams, who has served as the orchestra’s Creative Chair of New Music for the past 17 years. The transition marks a significant moment for the Philharmonic’s contemporary music initiatives, as Adès brings a fresh perspective to one of the institution’s key artistic roles.

Thomas Adès is no stranger to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Over several decades, he has developed a close collaborative relationship with the orchestra, contributing not only as a composer but also as a guest conductor. His engagements have spanned performances at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, two of the Philharmonic’s prominent venues.

In his new role, Adès will be responsible for guiding the orchestra’s direction in new music commissioning, an area that has been a hallmark of the Philharmonic’s innovation under previous leadership. Additionally, he will oversee programming for the Green Umbrella concert series, which is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027. This series has been an essential platform for avant-garde and contemporary compositions, reflecting the orchestra’s commitment to nurturing modern musical voices.

The Creative Chair of New Music position plays a pivotal role in shaping the Philharmonic’s contemporary repertoire and its engagement with living composers. Adès’s appointment signals a continued dedication to this mission amid a period of artistic leadership change within the orchestra.

While details about Adès’s specific plans and projects in his new capacity remain limited at this stage, his history of innovative compositions and dynamic conducting suggest that he will bring a distinctive vision to the Philharmonic’s future endeavors.

This leadership change also highlights the ongoing evolution of the Los Angeles Philharmonic as a leading institution for new music in the United States. The orchestra has long been recognized for its adventurous programming and support of contemporary composers, traits that have helped solidify its reputation on the global stage.

As the 2027/2028 season approaches, anticipation is building around how Adès will influence the Philharmonic’s artistic trajectory, especially in collaboration with Music Director Daniel Harding. Together, their partnership promises to steer the orchestra into a new chapter of creative exploration and innovation.

The announcement was reported by pizzicato.lu, a music news outlet that tracks developments in the classical music world. Further information regarding Adès’s initiatives and the orchestra’s programming under his guidance is expected to emerge as the start date nears.